WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BUSINESS?
This isn’t the first business I’ve owned. I used to be a Wedding & Event Planner, planning and designing events for couples across the Southeast US. I also have a background in design and writing. My husband and I were starting a family, and I didn’t want to work so many nights and weekends anymore, so I made the bittersweet decision to close my Wedding Planning company.
A few months later, this one was born. It’s morphed into what it is today, but it allows me to work from home to spend more time with my family. To be able to work for myself, to have the freedom and flexibility to be able to do what matters most to me, is extremely motivating.
WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST STRUGGLE WHEN STARTING OUT?
Hands-down narrowing down my offers. I was offering way too many things in the beginning. By offerings so many things, I was devaluing my services and giving my clients decision fatigue. I also felt all over the place. Narrowing down my offers into very simple terms and services has allowed me to focus and provide a higher level of service.
WHAT’S THE #1 THING YOU ATTRIBUTE TO GROWING YOUR BUSINESS?
I’m not sure if there’s just one thing. I think it’s been a combination of things — Systems, Consistency, and Grace. Since I also stay at home with my toddler, I had to create streamlined systems. I have some things that run on automation. I have simplified tasks. And I have a way of checking in on what needs to get done that day. Part of having those systems is maintaining consistency.
Sure, life happens and unexpected things pop up, but the more I remain consistent, the better growth I see. But also… grace. Because life happens… and because I know I’ll mess up… I try to give myself grace and not beat myself up when things happen. I handle them with integrity, learn, and move on.
WHAT MINDSET SHIFTS HAVE YOU MADE TO SET YOUR BUSINESS UP FOR SUCCESS?
I’m a perfectionist and have a hard time launching or publicizing things because I fear they’re not perfect. So one of the BIGGEST mindset shifts I’ve had to make is to just do it messy. Get started. Some things I’ll figure out along the way. But if I don’t do it now and learn to be ok with making it perfect along the way, I may never do it.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST BUSINESS LESSON LEARNED?
Stop doing stuff you don’t love. I don’t mean ignore your financials if you don’t love doing your accounting, haha. What I do mean is that if you don’t love a particular service or product you’re offering, then stop offering it. Who says you have to offer a particular service just because everyone else is offering it? If you don’t love it, don’t do it. It’s time to stop doing the things that don’t bring us joy.
WHAT PODCASTS OR BUSINESS BOOKS ARE YOU READING RIGHT NOW?
Well, I’m definitely your Learning Nerd. I love love love education. I love listening to the Profitable Web Designer with Shannon Mattern podcast, Work and Play with Nancy Ray, and Jenna Kutcher’s the Goal Digger Podcast.
As far as books go, I have been taking a break from business-related books and have been enjoying some fictional books to give my brain a rest at night. If you want a good fiction book to read, check out The Midnight Library by Matt Haig—it was unexpectedly really good.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC TO LISTEN TO WHEN YOU’RE CREATING CONTENT?
There’s a playlist on Spotify called “coastal grandmother”. I LOVE this playlist to my core.
HOW DO YOU DECIDE ON WHAT IMAGES TO USE FOR YOUR BRAND?
I choose graphics based on what I’m creating but always incorporate my brand colors. Haute Stock makes it SO EASY. From my personalized Couture Curation® collection where I didn’t even have to think about what images to use because Haute Stock’s Design Team DID IT FOR ME, to being able to filter out images that don’t include my brand colors to filtering out whether I want people in the image or not… it’s so easy to customize and find exactly what I’m looking for. I’ve been a member of other stock image sites, but Haute Stock tops them all.
HOW HAS HAUTE STOCK HELPED YOU IN YOUR BUSINESS?
Haute Stock truly makes curating images easy. The search and filter options are powerful. All of the images are clean and professional. It’s not just a bunch of boring flatlays. The photographers and designers incorporate people and movement, textures, backgrounds, and so much more. It gives me a variety of images to use that are all somehow cohesive together.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE HAUTE STOCK COLLECTION?
ALL OF THEM. I can’t narrow it down. I love Moyo’s Mockups, Work Sesh, Academia, Nine to Five, Reverie, and En Vogue are some of my top favorites.
Shannon designs Squarespace websites for creatives and service providers. She left her job as a teacher to go full-time with her wedding planning company and realized many creatives were ignoring their websites and online presence. Trading luxury event design for website design for entrepreneurs who’ve been featured in and work with Badgley Mishka, Style Me Pretty, Aloft Hotels, L’Oreal, MSNBC, and more brings her so much joy. When she’s not designing websites and creating solid brand strategies, she’s usually chasing around her toddler, enjoying a glass of rosé on the back porch, or eating a burger with her husband.
stay connected: @shannonpruittandco
